Yasin Malik Sparks Controversy by Refusing Legal Counsel in Terror Funding Case

Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik on Friday expressed his desire to argue his terror funding case in person, dismissing the Delhi High Court's advice to either choose a lawyer or designate amicus curiae. The next hearing is set for September 19, with the court urging Malik to reconsider his decision regarding written submissions.

During the proceedings, the court granted Malik another chance to reconsider his stance. The court also clarified that according to the August 4, 2023, order from the previous bench, Malik can participate only through virtual mode. Malik addressed the court via video conference, insisting on representing himself without legal counsel.

The court proceedings came amid the NIA's plea for the death penalty against Malik. Previously, Justice Amit Sharma of the Delhi High Court recused himself from hearing the NIA's appeal seeking the death penalty. The NIA has challenged the trial court's life imprisonment sentence, arguing that Malik's past acts, including the killing of four IAF personnel and kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, warrant capital punishment.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that Malik received weapons training in Pakistan in the 1980s with ISI assistance and has been leading JKLF. The NIA argues that sparing Malik the death penalty would erode the country's sentencing policy and provide a loophole for terrorists.

The NIA's appeal highlights Malik's decades-long involvement in terrorism, claiming his actions have caused irreparable harm to the nation and its soldiers. The appeal argues that Malik's crimes were calculated acts of external aggression aimed at destabilizing India's sovereignty and integrity.

During sentencing on May 25, 2022, the trial court judge noted that there was no reformation of Malik, who never expressed regret for his pre-1994 violent actions. The judge emphasized the severity of Malik's crimes, committed with foreign assistance and under the guise of a peaceful political movement.

The trial court sentenced Malik to life imprisonment twice and imposed a fine of over Rs 10 lakh. The crimes were deemed severe enough to fail the 'rarest of rare' test, justifying the life sentences under multiple charges including waging war against the nation and raising funds for terror acts.

(With inputs from agencies.)